Hello tanish-ga,
Congratulations on your career choices and determination to further
your education. Determining how to proceed in your situation depends
on how quickly you want to get employed and how much more education
you want to pursue. Here are the results of my research to help you
evaluate your options.
It appears that you are committed to becoming a nutritionist or
dietitian. California is one of a minority of states that does not
require licensing for these professions. The only requirement
constraining your practice in this field is that you issue a
disclaimer on any advertisements you make of your services.
It appears that you plan to move forward with continuing your
education. You can get a nutrition or dietetics degree at all levels
from associate’s to bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. I’ve listed the
accreditation agencies and the Southern California programs that meet
these accreditation requirements.
Finally, I’ve also collected information about evaluation
organizations that can help you with getting your foreign degree
evaluated.
I hope that the information I’ve collected will help you with your
career and educational decisions.
Best wishes for success in your chosen field.
~ czh ~
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NUTRITIONIST / DIETITIAN LICENSING IN CALIFORNIA
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http://www.dca.ca.gov/
The Department of Consumer Affairs' mission is to promote and protect
the interests of California consumers. We have information to help you
make smart choices and solve problems. We'll educate you regarding
your rights and responsibilities. To protect consumers, we license and
regulate 2.3 million professionals, including doctors, dentists,
contractors and auto-repair technicians.
****** Neither “nutritionist” or “dietitian” is on the list of
professions requiring a license in the state of California.
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http://www.quackwatch.org/02ConsumerProtection/licensing.html
Why "Nutritionist" Licensing Is Important
In response to the flaunting of dubious credentials, dietitians have
gained passage of laws to regulate nutritionists in 40 states and the
District of Columbia. Some make it illegal for unqualified persons to
call themselves dietitians or nutritionists, while others define
nutrition practice and who is eligible to practice. The most basic
requirement is completion of accredited training. Opponents claim that
bills of this type are motivated by greed and an intention to create a
monopoly for one school of thought. The real issue, however, is public
protection.
***** California does not require licensing for nutritionists or
dietitians.
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http://www.quackwatch.org/04ConsumerEducation/nutritionist.html
Where To Get Professional Nutrition Advice
Nutrition Credentials
Many accredited universities offer nutrition courses based on
scientific principles and taught by qualified instructors. A
bachelor's degree in nutrition requires four years of full-time study
that qualify a graduate for entry level positions in dietetics or food
service, often in a hospital. A master's degree, which can widen
career opportunities, requires two more years of full-time study
beyond the undergraduate level. People who wish to become nutrition
researchers usually pursue a doctorate (Ph.D.) in biochemistry, which
requires at least two years of additional study plus a thesis based on
original laboratory research. Those wishing to concentrate on teaching
or educational research usually seek a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree in
nutrition education.
Registered dietitians (R.D.s) are specially trained to translate
nutrition research into healthful, tasty diets. The R.D. credential is
available to individuals who obtain a bachelor's degree in nutrition
accredited by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), complete an
ADA-approved dietetic internship, and pass a comprehensive written
test covering all aspects of nutrition and food-service management. To
maintain their credential, they must also participate regularly in
ADA-approved continuing-education programs. Although completion of a
masters degree or Ph.D is highly desirable for nutrition
professionals, it is not required to become a registered dietitian.
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http://www.asns.org/
American Society for Nutritional Sciences (ASNS)
The American Society for Nutritional Sciences (3500+ members) is the
premier research society dedicated to improving the quality of life
through the science of nutrition. The Society fulfills its mission by:
fostering and enhancing research in animal and human nutrition;
providing opportunities for sharing, disseminating, and archiving
peer-reviewed nutrition research results (at its annual meeting and in
its official publication, the Journal of Nutrition): fostering quality
education and training in nutrition; upholding standards for ethical
behavior in research, the protection of human subjects, and the care
and treatment of research animals; providing opportunities for
fellowship and support among nutritionists; and bringing scientific
knowledge to bear on nutrition issues through communication and
influence in the public domain.
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http://www.eatright.org/Public/
American Dietetic Association
With nearly 70,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the
nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA
serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and
well-being.
The following has been signed into law by Gray Davis, Governor of the
State of California, on September 24, 2002:
An act to add Sections 2053.5 and 2053.6 to the Business and
Professions Code, relating to health.
SECTION 1.
(b) Notwithstanding the widespread utilization of complementary and
alternative medical services by Californians, the provision of many of
these services may be in technical violation of the Medical Practice
Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the
Business and Professions Code). Complementary and alternative health
care practitioners could therefore be subject to fines, penalties, and
the restriction of their practice under the Medical Practice Act even
though there is no demonstration that their practices are harmful to
the public.
(c) The Legislature intends, by enactment of this act, to allow access
by California residents to complementary and alternative health care
practitioners who are not providing services that require medical
training and credentials. The Legislature further finds that these
nonmedical complementary and alternative services do not pose a known
risk to the health and safety of California residents, and that
restricting access to those services due to technical violations of
the Medical Practice Act is not warranted.
***** It appears that nutritionists and dietitians are covered under
the provisions of these regulations.
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NUTRITIONIST / DIETITIAN CAREER OPTIONS
=======================================
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos077.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics -- Occupational Outlook
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Significant Points
Employment of dietitians is expected to grow about as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2010 as a result of
increasing emphasis on disease prevention through improved health
habits.
Dietitians and nutritionists need at least a bachelor's degree in
dietetics, foods and nutrition, food service systems management, or a
related area.
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http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/DIETITIA.HTM
California Employment Development Department
Labor Market Information
Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians
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http://www.nutritionjobs.com/jobs/jobs_search.html
Welcome to the original leading online employment board for career
opportunities in the fields of nutrition & dietetics
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http://www.dietitiancentral.com/
The Dietitian's Internet Community
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TRAINING, OTHER QUALIFICATIONS, AND ADVANCEMENT
===============================================
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos077.htm
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Twenty-seven of the 41 States with laws governing dietetics require
licensure, 13 require certification, and 1 requires registration. The
Commission on Dietetic Registration of the American Dietetic
Association (ADA) awards the Registered Dietitian credential to those
who pass a certification exam after completing their academic
coursework and supervised experience. Because practice requirements
vary by State, interested candidates should determine the requirements
of the State in which they want to work before sitting for any exam.
As of 2001, there were 234 bachelor's and master's degree programs
approved by the ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics
Education (CADE). Supervised practice experience can be acquired in
two ways. The first requires completion of an ADA-accredited
coordinated program. As of 2001, there were 51 accredited programs,
which combined academic and supervised practice experience and
generally lasted 4 to 5 years. The second option requires completion
of 900 hours of supervised practice experience in any of the 258
CADE-accredited/approved internships. Internships and may be full-time
programs lasting 6 to 12 months, or part-time programs lasting 2
years. Students interested in research, advanced clinical positions,
or public health may need an advanced degree.
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http://www.eatright.org/Public/7782.cfm?CFID=1584749&CFTOKEN=68096475
CADE
The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) is
ADA's accrediting agency for education programs preparing students for
careers as registered dietitians (RD) or dietetics technicians (DTR).
CADE exists to serve the public by establishing and enforcing
Eligibility Requirements and Accreditation Standards that ensure the
quality and continued improvement of nutrition/dietetics education
programs. Programs meeting those standards are accredited by CADE.
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http://www.eatright.org/Public/7782_13280.cfm
Accredited/Approved Programs
Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
Bachelor's and graduate level - dietitian coursework and supervised
practice for RD eligibility
Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD)
Bachelor's and graduate level - dietitian coursework only (must be
completed before the Dietetic Internship required for RD eligibility)
Dietetic Internships (DI)
Postbachelor's - supervised practice only for RD eligibility (must
complete DPD and at least a bachelor's degree before entry
Dietetic Technician Programs (DT)
Associate degree - DT coursework and supervised practice for DTR
eligibility
=====================================================================
NUTRITIONIST / DIETITIAN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES -- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
=====================================================================
http://www.eatright.org/Public/7782_13283.cfm
Coordinated Programs in Dietetics (CP)
CALIFORNIA
Loma Linda University
---------------------
School of Allied Health Professions
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
Loma Linda CA 92354
http://www.llu.edu/llu/nutrition/
LLU nutrition homepage
California State University, Los Angeles
----------------------------------------
Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles CA 90032-8172
http://www.calstatela.edu/dept/hnut_sci/dept_pro.htm
The Bachelors Program in Nutritional Science
http://www.eatright.org/Public/7782_13286.cfm
Dietetic Technician Programs (DT)
CALIFORNIA
Orange Coast College
--------------------
2701 Fairview Road
Costa Mesa CA 92628-5005
http://www.occ.cccd.edu/people/organizations/scfndc/page8.html
Dietetic Technician Courses
Loma Linda University
---------------------
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics
School of Allied Health Professions
Loma Linda CA 92350
http://www.llu.edu/llu/nutrition/
LLU nutrition homepage
Long Beach City College
-----------------------
Liberal Arts Campus
Family and Consumer Studies Division
4901 East Carson Street
Long Beach CA 90808-1706
http://students.lbcc.edu/guides/03-04_cguides/pdf/dietetics.pdf
Dietetics Program
http://departments.lbcc.edu/deptinfo.cfm?deptabbr=FACS
Family and Consumer Studies
Los Angeles City College
------------------------
Family and Consumer Studies
855 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90029-3590
http://catalog.lacitycollege.edu/pages/family%20consumer.htm
Family and Consumer Studies (Dietetics
Dietetics Technician
==========================
FOREIGN DEGREE EVALUATIONS
==========================
http://www.ece.org/
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
ECE prepares evaluation reports that identify the United States
equivalent of education completed in other countries.
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http://www.naces.org/
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES®)
NACES® is an association of private foreign educational credential
evaluation services committed to formulating and maintaining ethical
standards in the field of foreign educational evaluation. Within the
United States, no government agency monitors the establishment of
foreign credential evaluation services. NACES® was founded in 1987 by
credential evaluation services dedicated to promoting excellence and
committed to setting the standards for the profession.
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http://www.auap.com/
American Universities Admission Program
http://www.auap.com/eval.html
AUAP Credential Evaluation Service
The Credential Evaluation Service is an independent branch of AUAP,
which evaluates the transcripts of foreign students for admission into
American universities. It also evaluates academic and experiential
credentials for Immigration purpose. AUAP Credential Evaluation
Service is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE), AACRAO
(American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers),
NAGAP National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals and
NAFSA (National Association of International Educators).
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http://www.online-college.info/article1169.html
Distance learning discussion forums
Help On Foreign Degree Evaluation Agencies
***** I got the names of the above evaluation agencies from this
discussion. You might find it helpful for preparing to get your
foreign degree evaluated. I suggest that you talk to the admissions
officers in the schools you would like to attend and ask them which
evaluation organization they prefer to work with.
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http://www.pcc.edu/academics/index.cfm/31,936,30,html
Portland Community College
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Students who want to receive PCC credit for courses taken in a foreign
country should have transcripts and full course descriptions
translated into English and evaluated.
PCC will consider accepting credit for any of our Certificates or
Associate degrees (Science, Arts, Applied Science, and General
Studies). Most credits accepted will be used as electives. If course
descriptions are supplied and content is clear, credit may be used to
meet other requirements. All decisions made by the Graduation
Department are final. Students should follow the instructions below
for transcript evaluation:
***** These instructions from an Oregon Community College give you a
good example of how schools approach evaluating foreign education.
They list several evaluation organizations.
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SEARCH STRATEGY
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foreign college degree evaluation
nutritionist careers
licensing nutritionists California |
